This course developed by RNIB and NatSIP (and run by VIEW) has been designed to provide specialist training to all teachers of children with vision impairment, including those in training for the Mandatory Qualification or waiting to start the MQ course. It has been written by nationally recognised practitioners in braille and created as an online course by an experienced instructional designer.

We do understand that there are very experienced members of education support staff delivering support for children in braille. If you feel that you have the relevant experience or background in braille, and wish to be considered – please get in touch – we consider such applications on an individual basis. Email courses@viewweb.org.uk

The next available course will begin in January 2019.

To apply for the 2019 course – download and complete the following application form:

It is a course which I wish had been invented years ago! I learnt so much about Braille Literacy and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The most relevant course I have studied in terms of relevance to my job as a QTVI and have already started to use strategies to support braille literacy and advice from discussions in my daily working.

It is an excellent course, which is highly relevant to my work. It should be compulsory CPD for all QTVIs.

I have gained much new knowledge and consolidated existing knowledge which I feel will enrich the teaching and learning of the pupils I work with.

I will do all I can to make sure that any QTVIs who join my team in the future do this course.

Course details

Entry criteria
• The course is open to qualified teachers of children and young people with vision impairment, OR those working as a specialist teacher of VI, who are not yet qualified.

We do understand that there are very experienced members of education support staff delivering support for children in braille (who are not QTVIs). If you feel that you have the relevant experience or background in braille, and wish to be considered – please get in touch – we consider such applications on an individual basis.

• Students are expected to be competent in the contracted braille code for English before studying the course
• Students will need regular access to at least one blind child or young person who is learning or using braille for the duration of the course.

Study arrangements
• The course involves around 80 hours of study time and is organised according to a structured timetable.
• There will be one training day at the start of the course, to be held at a central location in England. (NB. This training day is optional for students from other countries.)
• All course materials will be studied online using the Moodle virtual learning environment. No additional resources are required.
• Assessment will be undertaken by a mixture of techniques:
o Online discussion activities on key themes
o Written portfolios applying course content to students’ own situations
o Multiple choice tests of factual knowledge
• The course will be tutored by qualified teachers of children and young people with vision impairment who are specialists in braille literacy.

Certification
The course leads to a VIEW/NatSIP certificate on successful completion. It is not externally accredited.

3. Early reading
• Early formal reading strategies (teaching letter shapes, letter character recognition etc.)
• Braille reading schemes for early readers
• Deciding on contracted and uncontracted braille in the early stages
• Mechanics of reading for early readers
• Working with parents (primary school)